Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams Granted Albanian Citizenship

Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams was granted Albanian citizenship and a passport on April 10, 2026, through a special decree issued by Albanian President Bajram Begaj at Adams' request. The honor, first reported in Albanian media, underscores the former mayor's longstanding connections to the Balkan nation and its expatriate community in New York.

The decree, published in Albania's official gazette, took effect immediately and cited the national interest in granting citizenship to Adams, a U.S. citizen with no reported public safety concerns. Adams' spokesperson, Todd Shapiro, confirmed the development in a statement, describing it as a reflection of mutual respect and an enduring relationship between Adams and the Albanian-American community. "Leaders around the world, including mayors and presidents, have historically been recognized with honorary or dual citizenships as a symbol of international partnership and shared values," Shapiro said. He added that the recognition strengthens ties between New York City, home to one of the largest Albanian populations in the United States, and Albania.

Adams, who served as mayor from January 2022 until the end of 2025, built visible...